Page 223 of A Queen This Fierce and Deadly

Pulling myself together, I lifted my head. “Demos… this is the most incredible thing anyone has ever done for me. I want to strangle you for spending so much money, but I also want to snatch that key before you change your mind.”

A slow grin broke out on his face, and he tucked the key in the pocket of my dress. “Yours, Asinia. No matter what. Even if someday you choose to leave me. If you decide you want someone else.”

All the air seemed to disappear from the room. I frowned at him. “Why would Ieverdo that?”

“I’m not going to hold you to the things you said the night before you thought you were going to die.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “That’s big of you.”

His jaw clenched. “I’m trying to be reasonable about this.”

Drilling my finger into his chest, I glowered at him. “I don’t need you to be reasonable. I love you, you idiot. Nothing has changed for me. If it’s changed for you…”

Taking my hand, he pressed a gentle kiss to my finger. Nothing had changed for him.

He wanted to help me make my dreams come true.

“So,” I said, rolling up my sleeves as I turned to survey the space around us, the door leading to what was likely a back room. “You want to explore?”

EPILOGUE

Prisca

Tibris let out a vibrant laugh that rolled toward us. He stood at the end of the dock, Herne’s hand clasped in his. As I watched, my brother leaned up, pressing his lips to Herne’s.

Later today, Tibris was planning to propose. He’d been inspired by my wedding. And he wanted to share his love for Herne with the world. Margie had already developed a fondness for both of them and would no doubt insist on helping with the food.

I was so excited for him, I was afraid to talk to Herne in case I let something slip.

“You can’t ignore what’s happening, wildcat.” Lorian’s voice was low, amused.

Sighing, I turned my attention to the reason we were here.

Next to me, Madinia chuckled. I ignored her for another few moments, and her chuckle became a full-fledged laugh.

Daharak stood at the bow of her ship, casting a wary glance at two sea serpents who were dancing among the waves. Her brother Pelysian stood at her side. Together with their mother—the seer I’d met that day in Kaliera’s rooms—he had worked in the background toshape the future of this continent.

I’d known this day would come. The war was won. Our people were safe. Even Regner’s spiders were free of his web.

And yet…

I heaved a sigh, finally looking at Madinia. As usual, she wore the leather leggings she preferred, although I was pleased to see she was wearing the new boots I’d gifted her for this journey. Her cloak fluttered in the wind, and she pulled it around her.

“Stay,” I said, my voice tight. “Stay with us, Madinia. We need you.”

For the first time, Madinia smiled at me without restraint. Her smile was broad, beautiful…almost blinding. Her belongings were already on that ship, and despite my plea, I knew she would never stay.

“I need to go, Prisca. I have an itch in my feet and a craving within me to see other lands. I once thought this part of the world was nothing but death and horror. You’ve taught me that it’s much, much more than that. But there are other places too.”

My eyes burned, but I understood it. There was something wild about Madinia. Something that had been carefully leashed all these years. But she’d gnawed away at that leash little by little, until it had finally snapped.

And now she was free.

“I’ll return,” she said. Hesitantly, she took my hand. “Iwillcome back one day.”

“Promise.” My voice was thick.

“I promise.”

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